Hatton Garden jeweller expert tips - ring cleaning
We're all now aware of how incredibly important it is to make sure that surfaces and our hands are cleaned regularly; but that means things like engagement rings, bracelets and wedding bands all need to be properly washed without being damaged in the process. Ben Stinson, an expert from the UK's leading Hatton Garden jewellers, Diamonds Factory, has compiled a comprehensive guide to cleaning your jewellery in the times of COVID-19, with some additional information about the effects of anti-bacterial gel and washes on your jewellery...
1. Check if the jewellery is in good condition Before you start cleaning, it is important to check the state of the jewellery to ensure there are no loose diamonds, or gems that may come off during the clean or everyday wear. You can do this by inspecting the claws of the piece or by using a safety pin to check how secure each stone is. If the stone is moving in the setting, we recommend taking it to a jeweller to have it professionally cleaned and re-set.
2. Begin cleaning using dishwashing liquid Fill a small bowl with warm to hot water and add washing up liquid. Leave the jewellery to soak for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how dirty the piece is. You can also try cleaning your diamond with vodka - yes you read that right. The distilled beverage can dissolve and clear the dirt, bacteria and germs attached to the diamond thanks to the ethanol content.
3. Gently brush the diamond using a toothbrush After leaving it to soak, use an unused soft-bristled toothbrush to give the stone, and your jewellery a light brush. We recommend using a kids toothbrush because they are generally softer but remember to only keep this toothbrush for cleaning jewellery and no other purpose. Pro tip: don't forget to brush the base of the lower part of the diamond, stone or jewellery as a lot of dirt can build up at the base where the diamond is mounted.
4. Rinse the diamond under running water To ensure the piece is completely clean and sparkling, rinse the piece of jewellery under warm running water and repeat until you are happy with the appearance.
5. Safely dry the piece of jewellery To dry off your jewellery, use a clean and fresh cotton or linen cloth as these materials will not scratch the metal as paper towels could. You can also let it air dry in a hygienic environment.
6. Polish the piece of jewellery If you have a polishing cloth, you can rub it over your piece of jewellery to make the metal shine. Don't forget to store your cloth in a re-sealable bag to avoid getting dust on it.
How do anti-bacterial products affect my jewellery? Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser and wash has become a staple accessory for most people around the world, however over time, excessive exposure can be damaging to anti-bacterial hand gel and can wear away the shine of your precious gems and metals. Although washing your hands is a necessity, a layer of hand wash and dirt can build up behind a stone, and the alcohol in the sanitiser can dry out the gems and lead to surface damage or cracking. Frequently using hand sanitiser also loosen prongs that hold diamonds in place, so we'd always recommend taking them off before using alcohol gel on your hands.
How often should I clean my diamonds and jewellery? This process can be repeated once a week to help keep oils and products from building up. However, to prevent the need to clean your items more frequently than once a week, we suggest removing your jewellery whenever washing your hands with soap, anti-bacterial hand gel, or washing up liquid. It is recommended that you take your diamond and jewellery to be professionally cleaned twice a year.
Diamonds Factory in-house expert, Ben Stinson, had this to say on the matter, "Recently, the importance of hygiene and cleanliness has grown many folds and we are washing our hands, and personal belongings more than ever done before. While this is necessary, it does present challenges on how to maintain our beloved and precious items such as jewellery. "We always recommend our clients to remove their jewellery when washing their hands. Equally, it's important to clean your jewellery using the proper cleaning products to make sure your pieces are both bacteria free, and undamaged in the process," he said.
From ‘I do’ to ‘we own’: Five tips for newlyweds getting mortgage-ready
The wedding bells have rung, the honeymoon is over and married life is getting underway. For many newlyweds, the next exciting milestone is finding a place to call their own. Whether you've been renting, living separately or staying with family before tying the knot, buying your first home together is a big step. But just as planning the perfect wedding comes with its challenges, navigating the mortgage market and getting onto the property ladder as a newly married couple can bring its own set of hurdles. Tanya Elmaz, managing director of intermediary sales at Together, shares her five top tips for newlyweds looking to make their property dreams a reality.
READ ARTICLE
5 fun ways to celebrate a hen or stag do without a big night out
If you're planning a celebration that doesn't revolve around drinking, there are plenty of ways to make it fun without sticking to the usual formula. Jak Kennedy, adventure events coordinator at MadMax Adventures, shares five alternative hen and stag do ideas for couples who want something a little different. For couples who want something a bit more exciting than the usual night out, activities such as quad biking and 4x4 off-roading are a great way to get everyone involved. It's a chance to try something new, have a bit of friendly competition and make memories together before the wedding
READ ARTICLE
Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: what's the difference?
Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: What's the difference? Ceremony Master explains... Choosing who will lead your wedding ceremony is an important decision, but understanding the difference between a registrar, an independent celebrant and a humanist celebrant can help you decide what's right for your day. From the legal requirements of getting married to creating a personal, meaningful ceremony that reflects your relationship, each option offers something different. A registrar takes care of the legal civil marriage, while an independent celebrant can create a bespoke ceremony tailored to your story, preferences and values. A humanist celebrant also leads a personal ceremony, but one rooted in humanist beliefs and a non-religious outlook. The important distinction is that not every celebrant is authorised to legally marry a couple, and the rules vary across the UK
READ ARTICLE
Modern wedding rituals revealed as Brits bury sausages for the big day
For decades, the British wedding has followed a well-known rulebook of etiquette, from formal seating plans to three tier cakes. However, new research from Moonpig, the UK's leading online greeting card and gift retailer, has revealed that the nation is moving away from these traditions in favour of highly personal and often quirky rituals. The study of 1,500 Brits reveals that authenticity is winning over tradition. Six in ten (59%) believe a wedding should be a true reflection of the couple's personalities, even if it means breaking classic wedding etiquette. To ensure their day feels truly unique, many are turning to unconventional superstitions and spiritual services. Over one in five (22%) Brits said they have buried or would consider burying a sausage to guarantee good weather on their wedding day. Meanwhile, over a third (39%) would consider hiring an 'Etsy witch' or similar spiritualist to provide blessing rituals for their big day.
